Nagpur: Even as Nagpur is already reeling under a blistering summer, power consumers should brace for an increase in scheduled outages, with the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) launching its extensive pre-monsoon maintenance and repair drive across the district. As per MSEDCL officials, the drive is aimed at minimising technical faults and avoiding prolonged outages during heavy rains, storms and strong winds in the rainy season by strengthening the system in advance. They said the pre-monsoon campaign is essentially a preventive “health check-up” of the entire power infrastructure. There will be temporary power interruptions to allow technical teams to safely carry out repairs. Speaking to TOI, a senior MSEDCL official admitted that power cuts may increase in the short term due to the maintenance drive. “But we will ensure that most of the works are completed before 12 noon unless and until it is an emergency,” said the official.A detailed schedule has been prepared, with maintenance activities to be primarily undertaken every Wednesday. However, depending on the urgency and scale of work, shutdowns may also be carried out on other days. The maintenance work includes large-scale tree trimming to prevent branches from coming in contact with power lines, especially during storms. Old and rusted electricity poles are being replaced, sagging wires are being tightened and outdated conductors are being upgraded. In addition, critical infrastructure such as transformers, feeder pillars and ring main units are undergoing safety checks. This includes earthing inspections, oil filtration and oil top-ups for transformers. Preventive steps like replacing damaged insulators, cleaning feeder pillars, applying insulation spray and installing protective guarding on power lines in high-traffic areas are also being carried out, said officials.Despite the inconvenience during peak summer, officials maintain that the exercise is essential. Chief engineer Dilip Dodke said efforts are being made to ensure minimal disruption, with power supply to be suspended only during actual working hours. Consumers will be informed in advance through SMS alerts and media notifications.MSEDCL has appealed to citizens to cooperate during the maintenance period and urged them to register their mobile numbers to receive timely updates and quickly report outages.
